Webinar: Biological control of grains weeds – development of novel tools and approaches for integration

The webinar will focus on holistic approaches to weed biocontrol, outlining projects that Dr Ben Gooden and Dr Michelle Rafter have undertaken (or still undertaking) related to exploratory surveys of biocontrol agents and host-testing with pathogens and insects.

Ben and Michelle will discuss exploratory research as a foundation for identifying candidate biocontrol agents and risk analysis to determine the safety of candidate agents prior to their release into the Australian environment

The researchers will also discuss how approved biocontrol agents are released into the environment, including the value of building community partnerships, and integrating biocontrol technologies with industry to reduce weed impacts and enhance crop outputs.

This webinar is facilitated by WeedSmart southern extension agronomist, Greg Condon.

Speakers

Dr Ben Gooden, Research Scientist, CSIRO

Ben is a vegetation ecologist who specialises in weed ecology and management. Ben draws on his extensive field experience in quantifying the impacts of alien plant invasion on a diverse array of agricultural and native ecosystems to facilitate better on-ground management of threatening weeds. Ben’s current role as Leader of the Temperate Weeds Team is to develop, and implement on-ground, biological and other sustainable weed control solutions, to safeguard Australia’s precious agricultural resources and natural ecosystems.

Dr Michelle Rafter, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO

Dr Michelle Rafter is an evolutionary ecologist whose research focuses on developing novel, safe and effective pest management solutions for problematic weeds and insects. She leads CSIRO’s tropical weeds team based in Brisbane, Australia whose primary goal is to develop solutions for invasive weed problems. Key areas of her research include host-plant interactions, behavioural ecology, gene flow, species delimitation, dispersal ecology, pesticide action and weed biological control.

Greg Condon, Southern Extension Agronomist, WeedSmart

Greg is the WeedSmart southern extension agronomist (Vic and NSW) and is based in Junee, NSW. He runs Grassroots Agronomy with his wife Kirrily Condon. Greg works with growers and industry groups and is passionate about profitable farming systems. Connecting innovative growers with agronomists, stakeholders and researchers is a major focus of Greg’s extension role.